Monday, April 2, 2012

Guest Post: Fight Cancer through Fashion

I'm excited to share today's guest post from Jackie Clark, an outreach worker for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, who has a passion for fashion - from shoes to makeup, nail polish to handbags, and everything in between!  Jackie's an inspiration to all women and is sharing the reality of cancer and how women can say, "YES I have cancer, but I am no less beautiful than I was before my diagnosis".  

Enjoy! ♥

Atlantic City, NJ, Four Women, Circa 1960 by Deborah Willis (cancer survivor)

It is not easy to stay positive when unexpected events threatens to hinder your life. This can happen with something like a cancer diagnosis.  Mesothelioma is one type of cancer that women sometimes experience, and it can be a life-changing and scary event.  An important way to stay positive during these changes is to focus on the things that you love. Fashion is one thing that many women enjoy because it brings them great happiness and joy. If fashion is a part of life that makes you happy you can use it to your advantage to keep a positive attitude and a beautiful image each and every day.

Vintage fashion is particularly popular with women who enjoy wearing items that are unique. If you enjoy scouring markets for vintage clothing and accessories you can find many good deals.  Vintage fashion is a great way to explore a lot of different types of looks. Dress up like a gorgeous 50s housewife wearing a tight-bodice dress that has a 'poofy' skirt.  Pair it with a silk headscarf and some high heels for a look that's chic, romantic, and exceptionally fun to wear!


Another great look is 60s mod or 70s bohemian. 

For the 60s mod look you can put on dark eyeliner, light lipstick, a mini-dress and a pair of platform go-go boots. Many of the dresses from this time were made from bright color or color-blocking, which are fun and unique. 


The 70s bohemian look relies more on jumpsuits, moccasins, long scarves, vests and jeans.  A crocheted dress with boots is perfect for a bohemian look. You can rock either one of these styles for a look that is completely different from the styles found at stores today.



Vintage fashion can help make you feel confident and powerful.  It can make your inner beauty shine when you choose items that truly reflect a piece of yourself. Wear it because you absolutely love it. This will make you feel great even if you are suffering and feeling sick. Getting dressed every day is extremely important towards making you feel like your regular self, even after a cancer prognosis. Fashion can be very powerful.


Vintage fashion has another benefit in that you get to imagine the person who initially wore the item. This can be a fun activity that will get your imagination going. Try writing stories about this or talking about it with friends. You will find that you begin to relate to the vintage item more and more over time if you do this.  
If your life is suddenly put on hold due to something like a cancer diagnosis, a way to feel like yourself again is to focus on something that you love and are passionate about.  Fashion can be what you focus on in order to let your inner beauty shine again.  There are no guidelines to fashion, in this situation you are in control and have the ability to bring out your inner beauty and happiness however you would like to. 



If you'd like to find out more about Mesothelioma, you can visit www.mesothelioma.com.


4 comments:

  1. I like the sixties style. Wearing a good dress helps you forget all your problems!

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  2. Thanks for visiting. I'll head over and check it out! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  3. Found you through the blog catalog, and I love this guest post. My own mother died from mesothelioma when I was a child and she is one of the reasons I do my own blog and shop with my sister. It is named after my mother as sort of a tribute to her. well written post, and love the rest of your blog too.

    ReplyDelete

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